Study of Glutathione-S-Transferase, Cancer Embryonic Antigen and Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 in Ulcerative Colitis and Colorectal Cancer

摘要

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a high risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) has an essential role within the cells, including the conjugation and detoxification of toxic or carcinogenic compounds, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cancer embryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate cancer antigen (CA19-9) are tumor markers that are used for diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the total plasma GST activity, CEA and CA 19-9 in ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer. Subjects and methods: The plasma GST activity, CEA and CA 19-9 were assessed in 40 patients with CRC (group I), 40 patients with UC (group II) and 20 apparently healthy individuals as controls (group III). Results: The mean GST activity, CEA and CA19-9 were significantly higher in CRC and UC patients than controls with no significant difference between CRC & UC patients in CEA or CA19-9. A significant difference was found between Gs I & II as regards GST activity. Conclusion: Measurement of the total plasma GST activity may be helpful as a tumor marker of colorectal cancer.